August Buzz

Monroe Crossing

The Grand Marais Playhouse is pleased to present Blithe Spirit, An Improbable Farce by Noël Coward at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts August 25-September 4.

The play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, as research for his new book, Charles asks Madame Arcati, who he believes to be a complete fake, to hold a seance in his home. Unfortunately for Charles, Madame Arcati manages to summon the spirit of Charles’ first wife, Elvira, who decides she likes being back among the living and wants to pick up their relationship where they left off. This is problematic, for not only has Charles remarried, but he’s the only one who can see or hear Elvira. What follows is one of Noel Coward’s funniest farces.

The play is directed by Rose Arrowsmith with the cast of: • Charles – Stephen Poynter • Ruth – Theresa Luther-Dolan • Elvira – Alyssa Hedstrom • Madame Arcati – Claire Rickey • Mrs. Bradman – Layne Lindquist • Dr. Bradman – Rolf Lindquist • Edith – Dune Arrowsmith/Bagdons

The cast for Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit play are from L-R: Front Row: Theresa Luther- Dolan, Claire Rickey, Alyssa Hedstrom. Back Row: Layne Lindquist, Rolf Lindquist, Stephen Poynter, Dune Arrowsmith/ Bagdons. Photo courtesy of Sue Hennessy

Performances are: August 25-28 and September 1,2 & 4

Thursdays through Saturday 7 PM and Sundays at 4 p.m.

Monroe Crossing returns to Grand Marais September 3 at 7 :30 p.m.

Named in honor of Bill Monroe, “The Father of Bluegrass Music,” Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, original bluegrass and even selections outside the bluegrass genre. Their superb musicianship and on-stage rapport have entertained audiences across the United States, Canada and Europe.

In 2007, Monroe Crossing was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. They have twice been selected to showcase at the annual World of Bluegrass convention hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and they have appeared twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2016, Monroe Crossing had the honor of being the first Minnesota bluegrass band to perform in South Korea.

Whether playing traditional bluegrass, original bluegrass or some surprising songs outside the bluegrass genre, Monroe Crossing is one of the most entertaining acts in bluegrass today!

Auditions for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr on September 19 at 3:30 PM at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Youth in grades 3-12 are strongly encouraged to audition and sign up to be part of the crew for this production. Rehearsals are after school Monday – Thursday 3:30 – 5. Performances are December 1-4 and 8-11. Professional theater artists and fabricators Jon O Erickson and Jenny Knott will provide design and production support for this classic story. Adults are also needed for many areas of production. This production is possible through support from the Cook County Community Fund and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.

The Playhouse makes going to the theater more accessible by offering family passes, a group ticket bundle and brings back Pay-What-You-Can on First Sundays.

Family pass and a group ticket bundle are available for Blithe Spirit and Monroe Crossing. Family pass is $50 for two adults and up to 3 youth. A group bundle is four adult tickets for the price of 3.

The first Sunday of Blithe Spirit, August 28, will be a pay-what-you-can performance. Pay any price for your ticket at the door.

Advance tickets for all performances and more information can be found at grandmaraisplayhouse.com Door sales begin ½ hour before the performance.